Check out Independence Day events • Ripley County is ready to celebrate

The holiday of July Fourth is celebrated in style throughout the County. It starts with the Star-Spangled Indianapolis Symphony coming to Batesville on Thursday, June 29.
The free event is open to the public and features a world-class symphony performance along with a professional fireworks display. The program includes favorites and orchestra showpieces under the leadership of Alfred Savia.

Bring your family and friends to the Gillespie Soccer Plex, Batesville, at 6:00 p.m. The performance will begin at 8:00 p.m.

“It’s an honor to host the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra with the Batesville Area Arts Council, an organization passionate about bringing the arts to Batesville and Southeastern Indiana.”

Friday night, June 30, from 5 p.m. to ?, the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 22nd Annual Chamber Fireworks Night at the Ripley County Fairground Park in Osgood. This free family event will have food booths, flea markets, crafts and more. This year there are a variety of food trucks. “We have more food trucks than ever,” noted Brandi Merkel, executive director for the Chamber. She also noted that the fireworks will be bigger and better this year.

On Friday night, live entertainment will include Andrew’s Mobile DJ Service from 5-7 p.m. followed from 650north at 7:00 p.m. For additional information you can contact the Chamber Office at 812-689-6654.

Bring your lawn chairs for a night under the stars.

Saturday night, July 1 the Versailles State Park will once again be the scene for fireworks over the lake. Bring your lawn chairs and camp out on the hillside by the lake area where firemen will light the sky with fireworks.

Milan has a grand celebration that kicks off each year with an Ice Cream Social at the First Baptist Church of Milan on South Main Street on Monday, July 3 from 4-7 p.m. This includes a meal and the best “homemade ice cream.” Then, the Methodist’s Men’s Breakfast will be served at the church from 7 to 9 a.m. on July 4.

Parade registration will begin at 8 a.m. at the Milan High School parking lot followed by the only Fourth of July Parade in the county at 10 a.m. A Chicken dinner will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Milan Firehouse. The Kona Ice Truck will be available on the Fourth, downtown at the parade and then in front of the high school until the fireworks begin.

The Milan Lions Club sponsors the parade and welcomes anyone to participate or “just bring your lawn chair and watch.” This year the evening will end at Milan with a beautiful display of fireworks supplied by Flying G Fireworks and Displays. Donations for the fireworks are being accepted at the Milan Town Hall.

Don’t miss the Live Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 at 10:00 a.m. on the Brick Street in front of the library in Osgood.

Just before the reading, a patriotic decorating contest of bikes, tricycles, wagons, and riders will be held for children ages five – 12. There will be free refreshments and flags for those attending. This event is sponsored by the Osgood Beautification Committee. In case of rain, the program will be moved to the Damm Theatre.
From beginning to end, the County will have celebrations complete with fireworks, parade, a variety of music, and old-fashioned patriotic fun.